Assessment of Knowledge and Understanding of Glycosylated Hemoglobin Among Diabetic Patients in Baba Gurgur Diabetic Center

Abstract

Background:  The  glycosylated  hemoglobin  (HbA1c)  test  is  the  most  widely accepted  laboratory  test  for  assessment  long  term  glycemic  control. Patients understanding of (HbA1c) can lead to better glycemic control, which reduce the development and/or progression of diabetic complication.
Aim of study: To assess whether knowledge about (HbA1c) and its target goal is associated with better glycemic control among diabetic patients.
Patients and Method: Cross sectional descriptive study among diabetic patients attending Baba Gurgur Diabetic Center_K1 Hospital _NOC in Kirkuk city from October 2018 to January 2019.
The study included three hundred _fifty patients, (M: F 203:147), were invited to answer a validated questionnaire which assess their awareness and understanding of  (HbA1c)  and  its  target  goal.  Their  last  (HbA1c)  were  estimated  in  center laboratory.
Result: A total of three hundred- fifty (350) patients were recruited in the study, two hundred five (58.6%) were knowing of the term HbA1c coded as  ( group A), one hundred five (51.2 %|) of group A, were knowing HbA1c and its goal coded as ( group C) ,remainder one hundred participants (48.8%) were knowing HbA1c ,not knowing goal coded as( group D).The group B included one hundred- forty five participants  (41.4%)  recognized  as  un  ware  of  HbA1c. Mean  HbA1c  was significantly  lower  in  group  A  compared  to  group  B  (7.814±2.077)  vs (8.975±1.912), p value <0.000. Mean level of HbA1c in group C significantly lower than group D (7.510±2.140) VS (8.155±1.935), p value < 0.025.
There was a significant differences in mean HbA1c between group A and group B with  education,  regular  monthly  income,  duration  of  diabetes,  and  treatment modality  matched  subjects.  These  factors  associated  with  understanding  of awareness of HbA1c in glycemic control. No significant association was noted between age, gender, marital state and good understanding of HbAc. In total of 350 participants were recruited in this study, one hundred-ninety four (55.5%) were worker in northern oil company. One hundred-thirty of worker (67.0%) were aware of HbA1c (group A), and sixty-four employer (32.9%), were un aware of HbA1c test.
Conclusion: Maintenance of good glycemic control was seen with increasing level of awareness about HbA1c test